What are some ways to approach c-level executives to become part of a mentoring program?
Ah. Mike contacted me to say he means he wants to RECEIVE mentoring from said executives, not recommend that they need it (and many of them do now days!). I think this is still a difficult task, but not quite as difficult. Most everyone likes to have their efforts appreciated and validated, and asking someone to mentor you is doing just that. But, you have to be conscious of the fact that you are asking them to give up their time, a very valuable commodity for them. If these execs are in your company, they may be persuaded to see time spent with an eager learner as an investment in the future of the company. By mentoring, they can pass not only knowledge, but corporate culture to you and you can uphold both as you grow and advance. If it’s someone outside your company, your first hurdle is just contacting them. Are you in grad school? If you are, use any and every excuse to write a paper or do a report on one of these execs. Use that to help you get an appointment. Start by learning al
